I mean seriously, how do you tackle a guy who even changes our variable names (even though they are reasonable) and sends back the code (after review) like 4 times? I know for sure I'm not that bad a developer!

So many times, he enforces his ideals, which are not even best practices in the industry! I point out to him whatever link I can find on the internet trying to prove my point, but in the end he uses his authority to shut us out.

Sick and tired. Frustrated. Do I have any way out other than quitting the job?

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@pavanlimo, you should think about it more. Just because most of us suggested it doesn't mean you have to do it. Try to talk about it with people you know personally. They may have a different take on this.
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Terence PonceSep 15 '10 at 6:56

44

I suggest the reverse order: find another job, then quit.
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LorenzoSep 15 '10 at 7:23

@Lorenzo, I guess that is the better way to do it. It's safer for him.
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Terence PonceSep 15 '10 at 7:25

Superb list. However, with the type of boss described by the asker, recognizing one's own mistakes reinforces said boss' opinion that the world is wrong, but he is. My 2¢, give the list to your boss.
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MPelletierOct 7 '11 at 17:41

Been there, done that. Some bosses see (junior) colleagues as competitors who will undermine them and lose them a job. In some cases they might be correct. Either way, they want to force them out through unreasonable demands.

If there's a REALLY good reason to try to keep the job (eg you live next door) you can try to put everything he says down in a formal coding standard. If he signs off on it, at least it can remove the frustrations of changing stuff, even if you have disagreements over the standard.

If the boss is the kind that can be reasoned with, try to support your position with data.

Code Complete, for example, has a ton of citations with actual research and experimental data at least providing semi-scientific evidence for doing things a certain way rather than "this influential guy on the internet says it's good".

I point to him with whatever link I can find on the internet trying to prove my point, in the end he uses his authority to shut us out!

Depending on how strict the chain of command is, you might be able to talk to his boss about what is happening if you feel comfortable with that. Now, if it's the same type of person then you're barking up the wrong tree.

If it's absolutely unbearable and you see no resolution then there's obviously only one possibility...to find employment elsewhere. There's no need to subject yourself to this type of management if at all possible.